Coupling assemblies for connecting fluid-carrying components

ABSTRACT

Coupling assemblies for connecting fluid-carrying components are provided. The coupling assemblies include, for instance: a socket fitting with a first opening and a second opening in fluid communication through the fitting, the first opening being sized to accommodate a first fluid-carrying component, and the second opening being sized to accommodate a second fluid-carrying component; a sleeve, the sleeve encircling the socket fitting and being rotatable relative to the fitting, and the sleeve including a first locking feature; and a second locking feature associated with one of the fluid-carrying components. The second locking feature is positioned and sized to engage the first locking feature of the sleeve when the one fluid-carrying component is inserted into the socket fitting. Once engaged, rotating of the sleeve locks the first and second locking features together to secure the one fluid-carrying component to the socket fitting.

BACKGROUND

Connectors for hollow, liquid-carrying conduits or tubes have beenrealized in a great variety of types and shapes. These connectorsinclude threaded fittings, push-fit connectors, flange and/orhinge-based fittings, as well as barb fittings.

In certain applications, a need exists for enhanced connectors forcoupling conduits to other structures, such as other conduits, or to afitting, manifold, etc. For instance, as disclosed herein, it isbelieved desirable to provide enhanced connectors for connecting aconduit to a manifold of, for example, a liquid-cooled assemblyconfigured to cool at least one electronic component by facilitatingremoval of heat generated by the at least one electronic component.

Many conventional connectors pose disadvantages when employed withliquid manifolds, such as the above-noted liquid-cooled assembly.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the shortcomings of the prior art are overcome andadditional advantages are provided herein through the provision of anapparatus which includes a coupling assembly to connect fluid-carryingcomponents. The coupling assembly includes, for instance: a socketfitting with a first opening and a second opening in fluid communicationthrough the socket fitting, the first opening being sized to accommodatea portion of a first fluid-carrying component therein, and the secondopening being sized to accommodate a portion of a second fluid-carryingcomponent therein; a sleeve, the sleeve enclosing the socket fitting atleast in part and being rotatable relative to the socket fitting, thesleeve including a first locking feature; and a second locking featureassociated with one fluid-carrying component of the first and secondfluid-carrying components, the second locking feature being positionedand sized to engage the first locking feature when the onefluid-carrying component is inserted into a respective opening of thefirst and second openings in the socket fitting, and wherein, whenengaged, rotating of the sleeve facilitates locking the first and secondlocking features together to secure to one fluid-carrying component tothe socket fitting. The first locking feature includes first lockingthreads, and the second locking feature includes second locking threads,and the coupling assembly further includes an external threaded ringsecured to the one fluid-carrying component. The external threaded ringincludes the second locking threads. Additionally, the socket fittingincludes at least one annular groove in a surface thereof. The at leastone annular groove accommodates, in part, at least one annular faceseal. The at least one annular face seal engages the threaded ring whenthe first and second locking threads are threadably locked together toform a fluid-tight seal between the one fluid-carrying component and thesocket fitting.

In another aspect, an apparatus is provided which includes onefluid-carrying component, and a coupling assembly to connect the onefluid-carrying component to another fluid-carrying component. Thecoupling assembly includes, for instance: a socket fitting secured tothe another coolant-carrying component and comprising an opening influid communication through the socket fitting with the anotherfluid-carrying component, the opening being sized to accommodate aportion of the one fluid-carrying component therein; a sleeve, thesleeve encircling the socket fitting at least in part and beingrotatable relative to the socket fitting, the sleeve comprising a firstlocking feature; and a second locking feature associated with the onefluid-carrying component, the second locking feature being positionedand sized to engage the first locking feature when the onefluid-carrying component is inserted into the opening within the socketfitting, and wherein, once engaged, rotating of the sleeve facilitateslocking the first and second locking features together to secure the onefluid-carrying component to the socket fitting. The first lockingfeature includes first locking threads, and the second locking featureincludes second locking threads. The first locking threads are internallocking threads within the sleeve, and the coupling mechanism furtherincludes an external threaded ring secured to the one fluid-carryingcomponent. The external threaded ring includes the second lockingthreads. In addition, the socket fitting includes at least one annulargroove in a surface thereof. The at least one annular grooveaccommodates, in part, at least one annular face seal. The at least oneannular face seal engages the threaded ring when the first and secondlocking threads are threadably locked together to form a fluid-tightseal between the one fluid-carrying component and the socket fitting.

In a further aspect, a method is provided which includes: providing acoupling assembly to connect fluid-carrying components. The providing ofthe coupling assembly includes, for instance: providing a socket fittingwith a first opening and a second opening in fluid communication throughthe socket fitting, the first opening being sized to accommodate aportion of a first fluid-carrying component therein, and the secondopening being sized to accommodate a portion of a second fluid-carryingcomponent therein; providing a sleeve, the sleeve encircling the socketfitting at least in part, and being rotatable relative to the socketfitting, the sleeve comprising a first locking feature; and providing asecond locking feature associated with one fluid-carrying component ofthe first and second fluid-carrying components, the second lockingfeature being positioned and sized to engage the first locking featurewhen the one fluid-carrying component is inserted into a respectiveopening of the first and second openings in the socket fitting, andwherein, once engaged, rotating of the sleeve facilitates locking thefirst and second locking features together to secure the onefluid-carrying component to the socket fitting. The first lockingfeature includes first locking threads, and the second locking featureincludes second locking threads. Providing the coupling assembly furtherincludes providing an external threaded ring secured to the onefluid-carrying component. The external threaded ring includes the secondlocking threads. Further, the socket fitting includes at least oneannular groove in a surface thereof. The at least one annular grooveaccommodating, in part, at least one annular face seal. The at least oneannular face seal engaging the threaded ring when the first and secondlocking threads are threadably locked together to form a fluid-tightseal between the fluid-carrying component and the socket fitting.

Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniquesof the present invention. Other embodiments and aspects of the inventionare described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimedinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more aspects are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimedas examples in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. Theforegoing and objects, features, and advantages of one or more aspectsof the invention are apparent from the following detailed descriptiontaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of a raised floor layout of an air-cooleddata center;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of one embodiment of an at leastpartially coolant-cooled electronics rack comprising multiple electronicsubsystems and a cooling apparatus to use one or more couplingassemblies, in accordance with one or more aspects of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic of one embodiment of an electronics rack, whereinan electronic module (or component) is coolant-cooled by system coolant(provided by one or more coolant conditioning units disposed within theelectronics rack) passing through a coolant-cooled structure coupled tothe electronic module, and within which one or more coupling assembliesmay be employed, in accordance with one or more aspects of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic of one embodiment of a coolant conditioning unitdisposed within a coolant-cooled electronics rack such as depicted inFIGS. 2 & 3, in accordance with one or more aspects of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of one embodiment of an electronic subsystemlayout illustrating a hybrid cooling system for cooling components ofthe electronic subsystem, and which may employ one or more couplingassemblies, in accordance with one or more aspects of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 depicts one detailed embodiment of a partially-assembledelectronic subsystem layout, wherein the electronic subsystem includes,by way of example, eight heat-generating electronic components to beactively cooled, each having a respective coolant-cooled structure of acoolant-based cooling system coupled thereto and within which one ormore coupling assemblies may be employed, in accordance with one or moreaspects of the present invention;

FIG. 7A is a schematic of one embodiment of a cooled electronic systemcomprising multiple cooled electronic assemblies with multiple coldplates coupled via a thermal interface material to multiple electronicmodules, wherein one cold plate is shown being detached from itselectronic module for, for example, servicing or replacement of theelectronic module, and wherein one or more coupling assemblies may beemployed in association with the multiple cold plates, in accordancewith one or more aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 7B is a schematic of an alternate embodiment of a cooled electronicsystem comprising multiple electronic assemblies with multiplecoolant-cooled electronic modules and multiple coolant manifoldstructures detachably coupled thereto, within which one or more couplingassemblies may be employed, in accordance with one or more aspects ofthe present invention;

FIG. 8A depicts another embodiment of a cooled electronic assemblycomprising a coolant-cooled electronic module and a liquid manifold,within which one or more coupling assemblies may be employed, inaccordance with one or more aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 8B depicts the cooled electronic assembly of FIG. 8A, with theliquid manifold and coolant-cooled electronic module shown detached, inaccordance with one or more aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 8C depicts an interface surface of the liquid manifold of FIGS. 8A& 8B, configured to couple to the coolant-cooled electronic module, inaccordance with one or more aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 9A depicts one embodiment of a process for decoupling acoolant-cooled electronic module and a liquid manifold of a cooledelectronic assembly within a coolant-cooled electronic subsystem, inaccordance with one or more aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 9B illustrates decoupling of a coolant-cooled electronic modulefrom a liquid manifold, for example, pursuant to the process of FIG. 9A,in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 9C illustrates decoupling of a cooled electronic assembly from acoolant-cooled electronic subsystem using one or more couplingassemblies, in accordance with one or more aspects of the presentinvention;

FIG. 10A depicts one embodiment of an apparatus comprising a couplingassembly to connect first and second fluid-carrying components, where asocket-side assembly and a plug-side assembly of the apparatus are showndisconnected, in accordance with one or more aspects of the presentinvention;

FIG. 10B is an exploded view of the socket-side assembly of FIG. 10A, inaccordance with one or more aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional elevational illustration of the socketfitting of the socket-side assembly of FIG. 10A, in accordance with oneor more aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 10D is a cross-sectional elevational illustration of thedisconnected socket-side and plug-side assemblies of FIG. 10A, inaccordance with one or more aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 10E depicts the apparatus of FIG. 10A, with the plug-side andsocket-side assemblies shown connected, in accordance with one or moreaspects of the present invention;

FIG. 10F is a cross-sectional elevational illustration of the connectedapparatus of FIG. 10E, in accordance with one or more aspects of thepresent invention;

FIG. 11A depicts an alternate embodiment of an apparatus comprising acoupling assembly to connect first and second fluid-carrying components,where a socket-side assembly and a plug-side assembly of the apparatusare shown disconnected, in accordance with one or more aspects of thepresent invention;

FIG. 11B is an exploded depiction of the socket-side assembly of FIG.11A, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 11C is a cross-sectional elevational depiction of the socketfitting of the socket-side assembly of FIG. 11A, in accordance with oneor more aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 11D depicts the apparatus of FIG. 11A, with the plug-side andsocket-side assemblies shown connected, in accordance with one or moreaspects of the present invention;

FIG. 11E is a cross-sectional elevational depiction of the connectedapparatus of FIG. 11D, in accordance with one or more aspects of thepresent invention;

FIG. 12A depicts another embodiment of an apparatus comprising acoupling assembly to connect first and second fluid-carrying components,where a socket-side assembly and a plug-side assembly of the apparatusare shown disconnected, in accordance with one or more aspects of thepresent invention;

FIG. 12B is an exploded view of the socket-side assembly of FIG. 12A, inaccordance with one or more aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 12C is a cross-sectional elevational view of the socket fitting ofthe socket-side assembly of FIG. 12A, in accordance with one or moreaspects of the present invention;

FIG. 12D shows the apparatus of FIG. 12A, with the plug-side andsocket-side assemblies shown connected, in accordance with one or moreaspects of the present invention; and

FIG. 12E is a cross-sectional elevational view of the connectedapparatus of FIG. 12D, in accordance with one or more aspects of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein are coupling assemblies or couplers for facilitatingreleasable, fluid-tight connecting of first and second fluid-carryingcomponents. The first and second fluid-carrying components may be avariety of structures, such as conduits, tubes, fittings, manifolds,etc. In one or more implementations, the coupling assembly may beemployed to connect a conduit (or tube) to, for instance, a liquidmanifold or liquid-manifold assembly of a cooling apparatus. Forinstance, one or more features of the coupling assemblies disclosedherein may be integrated with a variety of liquid manifolds. By way ofexample only, various liquid manifolds are described below withreference to FIGS. 1-9C, where the liquid manifold may be, for example,part of a cooling apparatus, such as part of a coolant-cooled electronicmodule, or be detachably coupled to a coolant-cooled electronic module,to facilitate flow of liquid coolant through the module and removal ofheat generated within the module. Those skilled in the art willunderstand, however, that the coupling assemblies disclosed may be, inpart, integrated with various types of housings, for instance, at eitheran inlet or an outlet of the housing. Advantageously, the connectorsdisclosed hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 10A-12E may be used toreleasably secure a wide variety of fluid-carrying components together.

Reference is made below to the drawings, which may not be drawn to scaleto facilitate an understanding of the invention, wherein the samereference numbers used throughout different figures designate the sameor similar components.

By way of example, one embodiment of an air cool data center 100 isdepicted in FIG. 1. As shown, in a raised floor layout of air-cooleddata center 100, multiple electronics racks 110 may be disposed in oneor more rows. A computer installation such as depicted may house severalhundred, or even several thousand processors. In the arrangement of FIG.1, chilled air enters the computer room via floor vents from a supplyair plenum 108 defined between a raised floor 106 and a base orsub-floor 104 of the room. Cooled air is taken in through the front orair inlet sides 111 of the electronics racks and expelled through theback, or air outlet sides 112, of the electronics racks. Eachelectronics rack 110 may have one or more air-moving devices (e.g.,axial or centrifugal fans) to provide forced inlet-to-outlet airflow tocool the electronic components within the rack. Supply air plenum 108provides conditioned and cooled air to the air-inlet sides of theelectronics racks via perforated floor tiles 115 disposed (in oneembodiment) in a “cold” air aisle of the data center. The conditionedand cooled air is supplied to plenum 108 by one or more air-conditioningunits 120, which may also be disposed within data center 100. Room air121 is taken into each air-conditioning unit 150 near an upper portionthereof. In the depicted embodiment, this room air comprises in partexhausted air from the “hot” air aisles of the data center defined byopposing air outlet sides 112 of electronics racks 110.

Due to the ever-increasing airflow requirements through electronicsracks, and the limits of air distribution within the typical data centerinstallation, coolant-assisted cooling is being combined withconventional air-cooling. FIGS. 2-6 illustrate one embodiment of a datacenter implementation employing a coolant-assisted cooling system withone or more cold plates coupled to high heat-generating electroniccomponents disposed within the electronics racks.

FIG. 2 depicts one embodiment of a partially coolant-cooled electronicsrack 200. As illustrated, coolant-cooled electronics rack 200 comprisesa plurality of electronic subsystems 210, which may be processor orserver nodes. A bulk power regulator 220 is shown disposed at an upperportion of liquid-cooled electronics rack 200, and two coolantconditioning units (CCUs) 230 are disposed in a lower portion of theliquid-cooled electronics rack. In certain embodiments described below,the coolant is assumed to be water or an aqueous-based solution (by wayof example only).

In addition to CCUs 230, the cooling system includes a system watersupply manifold 231, a system water return manifold 232, andmanifold-to-node fluid connect hoses 233 coupling system water supplymanifold 231 to electronic subsystems 210, and node-to-manifold fluidconnect hoses 234 coupling the individual electronic subsystems 210 tosystem water return manifold 232. Each CCU 230 is in fluid communicationwith system water supply manifold 231 via a respective system watersupply hose 235, and each CCU 230 is in fluid communication with systemwater return manifold 232 via a respective system water return hose 236.

As illustrated, a portion of the heat load of the electronic subsystemsis transferred from the system water to cooler facility water suppliedby facility water supply line 240 and facility water return line 241disposed, in the illustrated embodiment, in the space between a raisedfloor 201 and a base floor 202.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates operation of the cooling system of FIG.2, wherein a liquid-cooled cold plate 300 is shown coupled to anelectronic module 301 of an electronic subsystem 210 within theliquid-cooled electronics rack 200. Heat is removed from electronicmodule 301 via system coolant circulated via pump 320 through cold plate300 within the system coolant loop defined by liquid-to-liquid heatexchanger 321 of coolant conditioning unit 230, lines 322, 323 and coldplate 300. The system coolant loop and coolant conditioning unit aredesigned to provide coolant of a controlled temperature and pressure, aswell as controlled chemistry and cleanliness to the electronicmodule(s). Furthermore, the system coolant is physically separate fromthe less controlled facility coolant in lines 240, 241, to which heat isultimately transferred.

FIG. 4 depicts a more detailed embodiment of a coolant conditioning unit230. As shown in FIG. 4, coolant conditioning unit 230 includes a firstcoolant loop wherein chilled, facility coolant is supplied 410 andpasses through a control valve 420 driven by a motor 425. Valve 420determines an amount of facility coolant to be passed through heatexchanger 321, with a portion of the facility coolant possibly beingreturned directly via a bypass orifice 435. The coolant conditioningunit further includes a second coolant loop with a reservoir tank 440from which system coolant is pumped, either by pump 450 or pump 451,into the heat exchanger 321 for conditioning and output thereof, ascooled system coolant to the electronics rack to be cooled. The cooledsystem coolant is supplied to the system water supply manifold andreturned from the system water return manifold of the liquid-cooledelectronics rack via the system water supply hose 235 and system waterreturn hose 236, respectively.

FIG. 5 depicts one embodiment of an electronic subsystem 513 componentlayout wherein one or more air moving devices 511 provide forced airflow 515 to cool multiple components 512 within electronic subsystem513. Cool air is taken in through a front 531 and exhausted out a back533 of the drawer. The multiple components to be cooled include multipleprocessor modules to which liquid-cooled cold plates 520 (of aliquid-based cooling system) are coupled, as well as multiple arrays ofmemory modules 530 (e.g., dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs)) andmultiple rows of memory support modules 532 (e.g., DIMM control modules)to which air-cooled heat sinks are coupled. In the embodimentillustrated, memory modules 530 and the memory support modules 532 arepartially arrayed near front 531 of electronic subsystem 513, andpartially arrayed near back 533 of electronic subsystem 513. Also, inthe embodiment of FIG. 5, memory modules 530 and the memory supportmodules 532 are cooled by air flow 515 across the electronic subsystem.

The illustrated coolant-based cooling system further includes multiplecoolant-carrying tubes connected to and in fluid communication withcoolant-cooled cold plates 520. The coolant-carrying tubes comprise setsof coolant-carrying tubes, with each set including (for example) acoolant supply tube 540, a bridge tube 541 and a coolant return tube542. In this example, each set of tubes provides coolant to aseries-connected pair of cold plates 520 (coupled to a pair of processormodules). Coolant flows into a first cold plate of each pair via thecoolant supply tube 540 and from the first cold plate to a second coldplate of the pair via bridge tube or line 541, which may or may not bethermally conductive. From the second cold plate of the pair, coolant isreturned through the respective coolant return tube 542.

FIG. 6 depicts in greater detail an alternate electronics drawer layoutcomprising eight processor modules, each having a respectivecoolant-cooled cold plate of a coolant-based cooling system coupledthereto. The coolant-based cooling system is shown to further includeassociated coolant-carrying tubes for facilitating passage of liquidcoolant through the coolant-cooled cold plates and a header subassemblyto facilitate distribution of coolant to and return of coolant from thecoolant-cooled cold plates. By way of specific example, the coolantpassing through the coolant-based cooling subsystem is chilled water.

The depicted planar server assembly includes a multi-layer printedcircuit board to which memory DIMM sockets and various electroniccomponents to be cooled are attached both physically and electrically.In the cooling system depicted, a supply header is provided todistribute coolant from a single inlet to multiple parallel coolant flowpaths and a return header collects exhausted coolant from the multipleparallel coolant flow paths into a single outlet. Each parallel coolantflow path includes one or more cold plates in series flow arrangement tocool one or more electronic components to which the cold plates aremechanically and thermally coupled. The number of parallel paths and thenumber of series-connected coolant-cooled cold plates depends, forexample, on the desired device temperature, available coolanttemperature and coolant flow rate, and the total heat load beingdissipated from each electronic component.

More particularly, FIG. 6 depicts a partially assembled electronicsystem 613 and an assembled coolant-based cooling system 615 coupled toprimary heat-generating components (e.g., including processor dies) tobe cooled. In this embodiment, the electronics system is configured for(or as) an electronics drawer of an electronics rack, and includes, byway of example, a support substrate or planar board 605, a plurality ofmemory module sockets 610 (with the memory modules (e.g., dual in-linememory modules) not shown), multiple rows of memory support modules 632(each having coupled thereto an air-cooled heat sink 634), and multipleprocessor modules (not shown) disposed below the coolant-cooled coldplates 620 of the coolant-based cooling system 615.

In addition to coolant-cooled cold plates 620, coolant-based coolingsystem 615 includes multiple coolant-carrying tubes, including coolantsupply tubes 640 and coolant return tubes 642 in fluid communicationwith respective coolant-cooled cold plates 620. The coolant-carryingtubes 640, 642 are also connected to a header (or manifold) subassembly650 which facilitates distribution of coolant to the coolant supplytubes and return of coolant from the coolant return tubes 642. In thisembodiment, the air-cooled heat sinks 634 coupled to memory supportmodules 632 closer to front 631 of electronics drawer 613 are shorter inheight than the air-cooled heat sinks 634′ coupled to memory supportmodules 632 near back 633 of electronics drawer 613. This sizedifference is to accommodate the coolant-carrying tubes 640, 642 since,in this embodiment, the header subassembly 650 is at the front 631 ofthe electronics drawer and the multiple liquid-cooled cold plates 620are in the middle of the drawer.

Coolant-based cooling system 615 may comprise a pre-configured structurewhich includes multiple (pre-assembled) coolant-cooled cold plates 620configured and disposed in spaced relation to engage respectiveheat-generating electronic components. Each coolant-cooled cold plate620 includes, in this embodiment, a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet,as well as an attachment subassembly (i.e., a cold plate/load armassembly). Each attachment subassembly is employed to couple itsrespective coolant-cooled cold plate 620 to the associated electroniccomponent to form the cold plate and electronic component assemblies.Alignment openings (i.e., thru-holes) are provided on the sides of thecold plate to receive alignment pins or positioning dowels during theassembly process. Additionally, connectors (or guide pins) are includedwithin the attachment subassembly, which facilitate use of theattachment assembly.

As shown in FIG. 6, header subassembly 650 includes two manifolds, i.e.,a coolant supply header 652 and a coolant return header 654, which inone embodiment, are coupled together via supporting brackets. In oneapproach, the coolant supply header 652 may be metallurgically bonded influid communication to each coolant supply tube 640, and the coolantreturn header 654 may be metallurgically bonded in fluid communicationto each coolant return tube 642. In another approach, couplingassemblies such as disclosed herein may be used to connect theillustrated tubes and headers. A single coolant inlet 651 and a singlecoolant outlet 653 extend from the header subassembly for coupling tothe electronics rack's coolant supply and return manifolds (not shown).

FIG. 6 also depicts one embodiment of coolant-carrying tubes. Inaddition to coolant supply tubes 640 and coolant return tubes 642,bridge tubes or lines 641 may be provided for coupling, for example, acoolant outlet of one coolant-cooled cold plate to the coolant inlet ofanother coolant-cooled cold plate to connect in series fluid flow thecold plates, with the pair of cold plates receiving and returningcoolant via a respective set of coolant supply and return tubes. In oneembodiment, the coolant supply tubes 640, bridge tubes 641 and coolantreturn tubes 642 are each pre-configured, semi-rigid tubes formed of athermally conductive material, such as copper or aluminum, and the tubesare coupled in a fluid-tight manner to the header subassembly and/or theliquid-cooled cold plates. The tubes are pre-configured for a particularelectronics system to facilitate installation of the monolithicstructure in engaging relation with the electronics system.

The above-described cooling approaches of FIGS. 2-6 present effectivesolutions for circulating water through coolant-cooled cold platesattached to heat-generating circuit modules (or components). An exampleof the efficacy of this approach is the IBM Power 575™ system offered byInternational Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, N.Y. In theembodiment of FIGS. 2-6, one or more coolant conditioning unitscontaining a pump and, for example, a water-to-water heat exchanger, maybe disposed within each electronics rack. As explained above, heat loadcarried by the system coolant circulating through the coolant-cooledcomponents in the coolant-cooled electronics rack is rejected tofacility chilled water passing through the second coolant path throughthe active water-to-water heat exchangers within the coolantconditioning units disposed within the rack units.

Field-replacability of cooling system components can be facilitated byproviding cooling subassemblies that employ, for example, flexible orsemi-flexible tubing interconnecting the coolant-cooled cold plates. Oneapproach to such a subassembly 700 is depicted in FIG. 7A, whereinmultiple cooled electronic assemblies 710 are depicted interconnected influid communication. In this approach, flexibility in the interconnecttubing allows for a particular coolant-cooled cold plate 701 to bedecoupled at its interface with an electronic module 702 resident on, inthis example, a substrate 704. Decoupling is facilitated by providing athermal interface material 703, which allows for subsequent reworking ofthe cooled electronic assembly 710. By way of example, commonly assignedU.S. Pat. No. 7,420,808 B2, depicts cooling subassemblies which comprisemultiple cooled electronic assemblies, such as schematically depicted inFIG. 7A.

FIG. 7B is a schematic of an alternate a cooling approach, wherein acoolant-cooled electronic subsystem 720 is illustrated comprising acoolant manifold structure 721 detachably coupled to a coolant-cooledelectronic module 722. In the depicted embodiment, one or morecoolant-carrying channels 725 are integrated within the coolant-cooledelectronic module (or integrated electronic module) 722, so as to residewithin the electronic module, for example, within an encapsulation ofthe module, or within a module lid enclosing one or more electroniccomponents within the module. By way of example, the coolant-cooledelectronic module is illustrated on a substrate 724. In the depictedembodiment, the coolant manifold structure 721 includes a coolant inlet726 (which may comprise a coolant inlet manifold) and a coolant outlet727 (which may comprise a coolant outlet manifold). Coolant inlet 726and coolant outlet 727 are configured and disposed to be in fluidcommunication with the one or more coolant-carrying channels 725 ofcoolant-cooled electronic module 722 when the coolant manifold structure721 is detachably coupled to the electronic module.

FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate an additional embodiment of a cooled electronicassembly, in accordance with one or more aspects of the presentinvention. In this embodiment, one or more coolant-carrying channels areagain integrated within the electronic module itself, for example,within a liquid manifold configured as a module lid (or within anencapsulant) in direct contact with one or more electronic components(such as one or more integrated circuit die or chips), or may be formedintegral with the electronic component(s) so as to be disposed withinthe resultant module.

Referring collectively to FIGS. 8A-8C, cooled electronic assembly 800 isshown to include a coolant-cooled electronic module 810, residing on asubstrate 811, and a coolant manifold structure 820 detachably coupledto coolant-cooled electronic module 810 via, for example, multiplefasteners 830 at the corners of the electronic assembly 800.Coolant-cooled electronic module 810 comprises one or more electroniccomponents within the module, as well as one or more coolant-carryingchannels, with multiple channels being employed in the embodiment ofFIGS. 8A-8C. The multiple channels have multiple heat exchanger inlets812 and outlets 813 formed within module lid 814 of the coolant-cooledelectronic module 810. Detachable coolant manifold structure 820comprises, in this example, a coolant inlet 821 and a coolant outlet822, which are designed (in one embodiment) as a coolant inlet manifoldand coolant outlet manifold, respectively. The coolant inlet and coolantoutlet of the manifold are configured and positioned to align over thecoolant inlets 812 and outlets 813 of the heat exchanger within thecoolant-cooled electronic module 810. Inner containment rings (orO-rings) 823, 824, may be provided within coolant manifold structure 820to facilitate a fluid-tight coupling of the coolant manifold structure820 to the integrated electronic module 810 at the interface between themanifold structure and module. Tubing 841, 842 couples to the coolantmanifold structure 820 in fluid communication with the coolant inletmanifold and coolant outlet manifold to facilitate the flow of coolantthrough the coolant-carrying channels of the coolant-cooled electronicmodule 810.

Field replacability of a cooled electronic assembly, or moreparticularly, the coolant-cooled electronic module of such an assembly,provides significant cost savings and convenience advantages comparedwith, for example, shutting an electronic subsystem down, and returningthe subsystem to a manufacturer for replacement of a module. There aremultiple approaches to field replacability of an assembly or acoolant-cooled electronic module such as described herein. An example isdescribed below with reference to FIGS. 9A & 9B.

FIGS. 9A & 9B illustrate one approach to field replaceability in acooled electronic system where there are no fluid-valves coupling thecoolant manifold structures to the subsystem coolant loop. By way ofexample, such a system may employ rigid or semi-rigid tubing couplingthe coolant manifold structures in substantially fixed positions withinthe electronic system. This is illustrated in FIG. 9B, where multiplecooled electronic assemblies 955 are shown in position in fluidcommunication with a subsystem-level coolant inlet manifold 951 and asubsystem-level coolant outlet manifold 952 (by way of example only). Asillustrated in this figure, one coolant-cooled electronic module 960being decoupled (for example, for field-replacing thereof) from itsassociated coolant manifold structure 961.

Referring to the exchange process of FIG. 9A, a coolant-cooledelectronic module may be replaced by shutting down the subsystem (orboard) with the electronic module to be replaced 900, and draining thetubing of the subsystem (or board) coolant loop 910. Optionally, thetubing of the subsystem coolant loop may be flushed with air to removethe coolant. Thereafter, the module-to-coolant loop interface may bebroken 920 by detaching the coolant-cooled electronic module from itsassociated coolant manifold structure (see FIG. 9B). The detachedcoolant-cooled electronic module may then be replaced 930. By drainingthe subsystem coolant loop prior to decoupling the coolant-cooledelectronic module from its coolant manifold structure, discharge ofcoolant onto, for example, the associated electronic board or othercomponents of the electronic system or subsystem is reduced, or eveneliminated. A new coolant-cooled electronic module may then be connectedto the coolant manifold structure remaining coupled within the cooledelectronic subsystem, after which the subsystem coolant loop is refilledto allow for operation of the cooled electronic system 940.

In FIG. 9C, an alternate approach to field replaceability of a cooledelectronic system is depicted, wherein tubing is provided coupling thecoolant manifold structures to subsystem-level coolant inlet manifold951 and subsystem-level coolant outlet manifold 952. As illustrated inthis figure, one coolant-cooled electronic module 960 and the associatedcoolant manifold structure 961 are coupled together and may be readilyreleased to withdraw the subassembly from the associated conduits using,for instance, coupling assemblies 970, such as described herein. In oneor more implementations, enhanced coupling assemblies or couplers may beemployed, for instance, in connection with one or more of theliquid-cooled manifolds, manifold assemblies, cold plates, etc., ofFIGS. 2-9C. Examples of these coupling assemblies are described belowwith reference to FIGS. 10A-12E.

Generally stated, disclosed herein are various coupling assemblies orcouplers for facilitating connecting first and second fluid-carryingcomponents. In one or more implementations, the coupling assembly may beconfigured and/or used to couple a conduit (or tube) to, for instance, aliquid manifold, such as one of the above-described coolant manifoldstructures. For instance, the coupling assemblies described herein couldbe used to couple a conduit or tube to coolant manifold structure 961 ofFIGS. 9B & 9C, by way of example. Note, however, that the couplingassemblies disclosed herein may be employed in a variety of differenttypes of liquid manifolds (or liquid manifold assemblies), includingcoolant manifold assemblies and non-coolant manifold assemblies. In theembodiments disclosed herein, the coupling assemblies may be secured to,or even integrated with, a first fluid-carrying component, such as theliquid manifold, for instance, at one or both of a liquid inlet oroutlet to the liquid manifold. The coupling assemblies disclosed hereinadvantageously may be used to releasably secure a conduit to the liquidmanifold with little torque, and without hinges or flanges.

Apparatuses are presented herein which include a coupling assemblyfacilitating connecting fluid-carrying components. The coupling assemblyincludes, for instance: a socket fitting with a first opening and asecond opening in fluid communication through the socket fitting, thefirst opening being sized to accommodate a portion of a firstfluid-carrying component therein, and the second opening being sized toaccommodate a portion of a second fluid-carrying component therein; asleeve, the sleeve encircling the socket fitting at least in part, andbeing constrained but rotatable relative to the socket fitting, thesleeve including a first locking feature; and a second locking featureassociated with one fluid-carrying component of the first and secondfluid-carrying components. The second locking features is positioned andsized relative to the one fluid-carrying component to engage the firstlocking feature when the one fluid-carrying component is inserted into arespective opening of the first and second openings in the socketfitting. Once engaged, rotating of the sleeve facilitates threadablylocking the first and second locking features together to secure the onefluid-carrying component relative to the sleeve and the socket fitting.

In one or more implementations, the first locking feature includes firstlocking threads, and the second locking feature includes second lockingthreads. For instance, the first locking threads could be internallocking threads within the sleeve at an end of the sleeve, through whichthe one fluid-carrying component is inserted. Also, the couplingassembly may include an externally-threaded ring secured to the onefluid-carrying component, with the externally-threaded ring includingthe second locking threads. By way of example, the second lockingthreads could be located on an outer surface of the threaded ring so asto threadably engage the first locking threads when an end of the onefluid-carrying component is inserted into the sleeve and socket fittingassembly. In this manner, the coupling assembly may releasably seal theone fluid-carrying component to the socket fitting. A fluid-tight sealmay be enhanced by providing at least one annular groove in a surface ofthe socket fitting, with the at least one annular groove accommodating,at least in part, at least one annular face seal. The at least oneannular face seal is positioned and sized to engage theexternally-threaded ring when the first and second locking threads arethreadably locked together to form the fluid-tight seal between the onecoolant-carrying component and the socket fitting. Alternatively, oradditionally, one or more internal annular grooves may be providedwithin the socket fitting to accommodate, at least in part, one or moreinternal annular seals. The one or more internal annular seals mayengage the one fluid-carrying component when the one fluid-carryingcomponent is inserted into the respective opening of the socket fittingto facilitate forming the fluid-tight seal between the onefluid-carrying component and the socket fitting.

In one or more implementations, the sleeve may include a first end and asecond end, with the first end including a first sleeve opening allowingthe portion of the first fluid-carrying component to pass therethroughto facilitate coupling the first fluid-carrying component to the socketfitting through the first opening thereof, and the second end mayinclude a second sleeve opening allowing the portion of the secondfluid-carrying component to pass therethrough to facilitate coupling ofthe second fluid-carrying component to the socket fitting through thesecond opening thereof.

In certain embodiments, the coupling assembly may include aspring-biasing mechanism disposed internally between, for instance, thefirst end of the sleeve and the socket fitting, with such aspring-biasing mechanism biasing the socket fitting away from the firstend of the sleeve.

In one or more embodiments, the first locking feature includes at leastone groove in the sleeve adjacent to, for instance, the second endthereof, and the second locking feature may include at least oneprotrusion sized to extend into the at least one groove with coupling ofthe one fluid-carrying component to the socket fitting. For instance,the one fluid-carrying component may be the second fluid-carryingcomponent, and the spring-biasing mechanism may force the at least oneprotrusion within the at least one groove against the sleeve when thesecond fluid-carrying component is coupled to the socket fitting. Inthis configuration, the at least one groove and at least one protrusionmay cooperate to define a partial-turn locking of the fluid-carryingcomponent to the sleeve, and thus, to the socket fitting to which thesleeve is constrained. In one implementation, multiple grooves andmultiple protrusions, such as pins, may be provided to define, forinstance, a quarter-turn locking of the fluid-carrying component andsleeve. In such implementations, the coupling assembly may include aring secured to the fluid-carrying component, with the ring having themultiple pins extending therefrom, which are sized to extend into themultiple grooves in the sleeve.

As noted, the coupling assemblies disclosed herein may facilitateconnecting a variety of first and second fluid-carrying components. Forinstance, in certain implementations, at least a portion of the couplingassembly may be secured to or formed integral with a liquid-carryingmanifold or other liquid housing to facilitate, for instance,fluid-tight sealing of a conduit to the liquid-carrying manifold in areleaseable manner to facilitate replacement of the liquid-carryingmanifold, or one or more electronic components associated therewith,such as described above. Advantageously, integrating or using a couplingassembly with a liquid-cooled assembly such as discussed herein allowsfor the separate removal of one of the liquid-cooled modules from thelarger liquid-cooled assembly, such as might be employed in one of theelectronic subsystem layouts described above.

Referring collectively to FIGS. 10A-10F, one embodiment of an apparatus1000 is depicted comprising a coupling assembly 1001 facilitatingconnecting a first fluid-carrying component 1002 and a secondfluid-carrying component 1003. As shown, in this example, apparatus 1000includes a socket-side assembly 1010, and a plug-side assembly 1030,with the apparatus illustrated disconnected in FIG. 10A, and connectedin FIG. 10E. By way of example only, the first and second fluid-carryingcomponents are depicted in these figures as separate liquid conduits.Note that although illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10F as separate tubes orconduits, one or both of the fluid-carrying components 1002, 1003, couldcomprise a portion of any liquid-carrying assembly, such as a portion ofa liquid-carrying manifold of a cooling assembly. By way of example,first fluid-carrying component 1002 could comprise a liquid inlet tubeor a liquid outlet tube of a liquid-carrying assembly.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10B-10D, in one embodiment, socket-side assembly1010 includes, in addition to a portion of first fluid-carryingcomponent 1002, a socket fitting 1020 and sleeve 1012. As depicted,sleeve 1012 includes a first end 1013 and a second end 1014, each with arespective opening 1015, 1016, through which a portion 1004, 1005 of therespective first and second fluid-carrying components 1002, 1003 may beinserted into socket fitting 1020. Sleeve 1012 is shown to, at least inpart, encircle socket fitting 1020, and is rotatable relative to thesocket fitting 1020 and partially constrained by the fitting. Sleeve1012 includes a first locking feature, such as first locking threads1017, adjacent to second end 1014 of sleeve 1012. As shown, in one ormore implementations, first locking threads 1017 are internal lockingthreads, provided on an inner surface of sleeve 1012. As illustrated inFIGS. 10B & 10D, portion 1004 of first fluid-carrying component 1002 atan end 1006 thereof is inserted into the coupling assembly, and inparticular, into socket fitting 1020 and sleeve 1012 contacting, forinstance, a stop 1021 formed as an annular land within socket fitting1020. In one or more implementations, first fluid-carrying component1002 may be soldered, brazed, welded, or otherwise permanently securedand sealed to socket fitting 1020, in a manner as to still allow forrotation of sleeve 1012 relative to socket fitting 1020. Alternatively,socket fitting 1020 and first fluid-carrying component 1002 could beintegrated as a unitary structure with, for instance, sleeve 1012 at oneend and a connecting element, such as one or more hose barbs or NPTthreads, at the other end.

As illustrated in FIG. 10C, socket fitting 1020 includes, in oneembodiment, a first opening 1026 and a second opening 1027 in fluidcommunication through socket fitting 1020. Stop 1021 may be, as noted,an annular land extending from an inner surface of socket fitting 1020.Additionally, in one or more implementations, the inner surface ofsocket fitting 1020 may include one or more internal annular grooves1022, each of which may be sized to accommodate, in part, a respectiveinternal annular seal 1023, such as a respective O-ring seal. The axiallength of socket fitting 1020 is chosen to be sufficient to accommodatereceiving the portion 1004 of first fluid-carrying component 1002therein, as well as a portion 1005 of second fluid-carrying component1003, as illustrated in FIGS. 10D & 10F. As shown, portion 1005 ofsecond fluid-carrying component 1003 is defined at an end 1007 of secondfluid-carrying component 1003 to be inserted into socket-side assembly1010, and in particular, into second opening 1027 (FIG. 10C) in socketfitting 1020.

Plug-side assembly 1030 is shown to further include, in the depictedembodiment, a threaded ring 1035, which includes the second lockingthreads 1036 on, for instance, an exterior surface or outercircumference thereof. The second locking threads 1036 are positionedand sized, along with portion 1005 of second fluid-carrying compartment1003, to allow second locking threads 1036 to threadably engage firstlocking threads 1017 on the inside of sleeve 1012 with insertion of end1007 into socket fitting 1020. In one or more implementations, secondfluid-carrying component 1003 may be a metal conduit or tube, such as acopper tube, and threaded ring 1035 may be formed of metal as well. Insuch an implementation, threaded ring 1035 may be brazed, welded, orotherwise sealed, to second fluid-carrying component 1003. In one ormore other embodiments, second fluid-carrying component 1003 may beformed of a non-metal, such as a plastic, and threaded ring 1035 may beotherwise sealed to second fluid-carrying component 1003. For instance,second fluid-carrying component 1003 and threaded ring 1035 may bemolded together or otherwise integrated as a unitary structure to havethe depicted plug-side assembly configuration. Also, note that theunitary structure could alternatively be formed out of metal.

As noted, FIGS. 10E & 10F depict apparatus 1000, with the plug-sideassembly 1030 coupled to the socket-side assembly 1010. When connected,a fluid-tight seal is formed by, in part, one or more internal annularseals 1023 compressing against the portion 1005 of second fluid-carryingcomponent 1003 inserted into socket fitting 1020. During the insertion,the first and second locking threads engage, and sleeve 1012 is rotatedto threadably lock the plug-side assembly and socket-side assemblytogether. Since this locking is threadably achieved, the plug-sideassembly and socket-side assembly may be subsequently released ifdesired, for instance, for repair or replacement of one or moreassociated structures. Also, note with reference to FIG. 10F, that inone embodiment, an end surface 1025 of socket fitting 1020 may functionas a stop to the connecting of the plug-side assembly 1030 to thesocket-side assembly 1010 by, for instance, contacting a side ofthreaded ring 1035 as the assemblies are threadably coupled.Alternatively, in one or more other implementations, annular land orstop 1021 could function as a stop for component 1003 by contacting end1006 of second fluid-carrying component 1003 as it is threaded into thesocket fitting.

As one detailed example of the apparatus of FIGS. 10A-10F, one or bothof the fluid-carrying components 1002, 1003 may each comprise, forinstance, metal tubing (such as copper tubing) or non-metal tubing (suchas rigid or semi-rigid plastic tubing). In this configuration, theplug-side assembly represents that portion of the apparatus that isinserted into the socket-side assembly upon connection. In one or moreembodiments, the plug-side assembly has a metal ring of a finitethickness, for instance, 5 mm or greater, that is, for instance, securedto the fluid-carrying component a prescribed distance from the end ofthe component. The outer diameter of the ring may have standard machinethreading. The socket-side assembly may include a copper or brass socketfitting that is, for instance, brazed to the first fluid-carryingcomponent (in one example only). The side of the socket fitting oppositeto that accepting the brazed structure has a cylindrical cavity foraccepting the plug-side assembly, and one or more internal annulargrooves and annular seals, for a fluid-tight connection. The threadedsleeve fits over the socket fitting and is axially-constrained at oneend by the fitting, but free to rotate relative to the socket fitting.The open end in the sleeve has internal threads that mate with theexternal threads on the plug-side assembly ring. Upon connection, thesocket-side sleeve is threaded onto the plug-side ring, locking thefluid components together. Note that while in this example the sleeve isdepicted as a smooth cylinder, it could (by design) have features suchas flat regions, knurled surfaces, etc., to facilitate the threadedlocking process.

FIGS. 11A-11E depict another embodiment of an apparatus 1100 comprisinga coupling assembly, in accordance with one or more aspects of thepresent invention. Referring collectively to FIGS. 11A-11E, couplingassembly 1101 is shown to facilitate connecting a first fluid-carryingcomponent 1102 and a second fluid-carrying component 1103. Apparatus1100 again includes a socket-side assembly 1110, and a plug-sideassembly 1130, with the apparatus shown disconnected in FIG. 11A, andconnected in FIG. 11D. As with the above-discussed embodiments, althoughillustrated in FIGS. 11A-11E as separate conduits, one or both offluid-carrying components 1102, 1103 could comprise a portion of anyliquid-carrying assembly, such as a portion of a liquid-carryingmanifold or cold plate of a cooling assembly. By way of example, firstfluid-carrying component 1102 could be a liquid inlet tube or a liquidoutlet tube of a liquid manifold assembly of a cooling system such asdescribed above.

FIGS. 11B & 11C illustrate one detailed embodiment of socket-sideassembly 1110. As depicted, socket-side assembly 1110 includes, inaddition to a portion of first fluid-carrying component 1102, a socketfitting 1120, internal annular seals 1123, a spring-biasing mechanism1129, and a sleeve 1112. Sleeve 1112 includes a first end 1113 and asecond end 1114, each with a respective opening, with opening 1116 atsecond end 1114 being depicted in FIG. 11B. As explained above, aportion 1104, 1105 of the first and second fluid-carrying components1102, 1103, may be inserted into the socket fitting 1120 through therespective sleeve openings. Sleeve 1112 is shown to, at least in part,encircle socket fitting 1120, and is rotatable relative to socketfitting 1120, and partially constrained by the fitting, as in theexample explained above in connection with FIGS. 10A-10F. Sleeve 1120also includes a first locking feature, such as at least one groove 1117adjacent to second end 1114 of sleeve 1112. As shown, in one or moreimplementations, the at least one groove 1117 comprises, by way ofexample, two quarter-turn locking grooves which receive respectiveprotrusions or pins associated with the second fluid-carrying component1103, as explained below.

As depicted in FIGS. 11B & 11E, a portion 1104 of first fluid-carryingcomponent 1102 at an end 1106 thereof is inserted into the couplingassembly, and in particular, into socket fitting 1120 and sleeve 1112contacting, for instance, a stop 1121 formed as an annular land withinsocket fitting 1120. In one or more implementations, firstfluid-carrying component 1102 may be soldered, brazed, welded, orotherwise permanently secured and sealed to socket fitting 1120 in amanner so as to still allow for rotation of sleeve 1112 relative tosocket fitting 1120. As shown in FIG. 11E, spring-biasing mechanism 1129is disposed internally between the first end 1113 of sleeve 1112 andsocket fitting 1120. Spring-biasing mechanism 1129 is provided, in oneor more implementations, to bias the socket fitting 1120 away from firstend 1113 of sleeve 1112. This, in turn, forces the one or moreprotrusions or pins 1136 associated with second fluid-carrying component1103 against sleeve 1112 to more securely hold the pins in position. Asillustrated in FIG. 11B, the respective grooves 1117 in sleeve 1120 mayinclude an L-shaped terminus at which the protrusion resides when lockedin place. This requires a purposeful action to unlock the connection.

As illustrated in FIG. 11C, socket fitting 1120 includes, in oneembodiment, a first opening 1126 and a second opening 1127 in fluidcommunication through socket fitting 1120. Stop 1121 may be, as noted,an annular land extending from an inner surface of socket fitting 1120.Additionally, in one or more implementations, the inner surface ofsocket fitting 1120 may include one or more internal annular grooves1122, each of which may be sized to accommodate, in part, a respectiveinternal annular seal 1123 (FIG. 11B), such as a respective O-ring seal.The axial length of socket fitting 1120 may be chosen to be sufficientto accommodate receiving the portion 1104 of first fluid-carryingcomponent 1102 therein, as well as a portion 1105 of secondfluid-carrying component 1103 at an end 1107 of second fluid-carryingcomponent 1103 to be inserted into socket-side assembly 1110.

Plug-side assembly 1130 is shown to further include, in the depictedembodiment, a ring 1135, which includes one or more protrusions 1136 on,for instance, an exterior surface or outer circumference thereof. Theone or more protrusions, such as multiple pins, are positioned andsized, along with portion 1105 of second fluid-carrying compartment1103, to allow the protrusions 1136 to insert into the one or moregrooves 1117 at second end 1114 of sleeve 1112 with insertion of end1107 into socket fitting 1120. This allows for a simple, quarter-turnaction to lock and unlock the plug-side assembly 1130 from thesocket-side assembly 1110. The spring-biasing mechanism 1129advantageously maintains the protrusions within the recessed groove atthe terminus of the groove(s) 1117 in the rotatable sleeve 1112.

In one or more implementations, second fluid-carrying component 1103 mayagain be a metal conduit or tube, such as a copper tube, and ring 1135may be formed of metal as well. In such an implementation, ring 1135 maybe brazed, welded, or otherwise sealed, to second fluid-carryingcomponent 1103. In other embodiments, second fluid-carrying component1103 may be formed of a non-metal, such as a plastic, and ring 1135 maybe otherwise sealed to second fluid-carrying component 1103. Forinstance, ring 1135 having protrusions 1136 and second fluid-carryingcomponent 1103 may be molded together as a unitary structure to have thedepicted plug-side assembly configuration.

As noted, FIGS. 11D & 11E depict apparatus 1100, with plug-side assembly1130 coupled to socket-side assembly 1110. When connected, a fluid-tightseal is formed by, in part, one or more internal annular seals 1123compressing against the portion 1105 of second fluid-carrying component1103 inserted into socket fitting 1120. During the insertion,protrusions 1136 are aligned to grooves 1117 in sleeve 1112 and pressedinto the grooves, compressing spring-biasing mechanism 1129. In theexample illustrated, a quarter-turn rotation of sleeve 1112 positionsprotrusions 1136 in the respective receiving recesses at the ends of thegrooves. As noted, spring-biasing mechanism 1129 maintains theprotrusions 1136 in the locked position within the respective receivinggrooves until positive force is applied to disconnect the couplingassembly.

FIGS. 12A-12E depict still another embodiment of an apparatus 1200comprising a coupling assembly, in accordance with one or more aspectsof the present invention. Referring collectively to FIGS. 12A-12E,apparatus 1200 is shown to include coupling assembly 1201 whichfacilitates connecting a first fluid-carrying component 1202 and asecond fluid-carrying component 1203. The apparatus is again shown toinclude a socket-side assembly 1210, and a plug-side assembly 1230, withthe apparatus illustrated disconnected in FIG. 12A, and connected inFIG. 12E. As in the embodiments described above, the fluid-carryingcomponents 1202, 1203 are illustrated as tubes or conduits, by way ofexample only. In other embodiments, one or more of the tubes couldcomprise a portion of any liquid-carrying assembly, such as a portion ofa liquid-carrying manifold of a cooling assembly. By way of example,first fluid-carrying component 1202 could comprise a liquid inlet tubeor a liquid outlet tube of a liquid-carrying manifold, such as describedabove.

FIGS. 12B & 12C depict one embodiment of socket-side assembly 1210. Asillustrated, socket-side assembly 1210 includes, in addition to aportion of first fluid-carrying component 1202, a socket fitting 1220and a sleeve 1212. In one or more embodiments, sleeve 1212 includes afirst end 1213 and a second end 1214, each with a respective openingthrough which a portion of the respective first and secondfluid-carrying components may be inserted into socket fitting 1220.Sleeve 1212 is shown to, at least in part, encircle socket fitting 1220,and is rotatable relative to socket fitting 1220, and partiallyconstrained by the fitting when assembled, as depicted in FIGS. 12D &12E.

In one or more implementations, sleeve 1212 includes a first lockingfeature, such as first locking threads 1217 located adjacent to opening1216 at second end 1214 of sleeve 1212. In one or more embodiments,first locking threads 1217 are internal locking threads provided on aninner surface of sleeve 1212. As illustrated in FIG. 12E, a portion offirst fluid-carrying component 1202 at an end thereof is inserted intothe coupling assembly, and in particular, into socket fitting 1220 andsleeve 1212 contacting, for instance, a stop 1221 formed as an annularland within socket fitting 1220. In one or more implementations, firstfluid-carrying component 1202 may be soldered, brazed, welded, orotherwise permanently secured and sealed to socket fitting 1220 in amanner so as to still allow for rotation of sleeve 1212 relative tosocket fitting 1220.

As illustrated in FIG. 12C, socket fitting 1220 includes, in oneembodiment, a first opening 1226 and a second opening 1227 in fluidcommunication through socket fitting 1220. Stop 1221 may be, as noted,an annular land extending from an inner surface of socket fitting 1220.Additionally, in one or more implementations, the inner surface ofsocket fitting 1220 may include one or more internal annular grooves1222, each of which may be sized to accommodate, in part, a respectiveinternal annular seal 1223 (FIG. 12B), such as a respective O-ring seal.Also, in this embodiment, an end surface 1225 of socket fitting 1220 mayinclude at least one annular groove 1241 accommodating, in part, atleast one annular face seal 1240 (FIG. 12B). As illustrated in FIG. 12E,when the socket-side assembly and plug-side assembly are connected, theat least one annular face seal 1240 engages a threaded ring 1235associated with second fluid-carrying component 1203 to facilitateforming a fluid-tight seal between the second fluid-carrying componentand the socket fitting. Note that the axial length of socket fitting1220 may be chosen to be sufficient to accommodate receiving therespective portions of the first and second fluid-carrying components1202, 1203, as illustrated in FIGS. 12A-12E.

As noted, plug-side assembly 1230 includes a threaded ring 1235, whichhas second locking threads 1236 on, for instance, an exterior surface orouter circumference thereof. Second locking threads 1236 are positionedand sized to threadably engage first locking threads 1217 on the insideof sleeve 1212 with insertion of second fluid-carrying component 1203into socket fitting 1220. In one or more implementations, secondfluid-carrying component 1203 may be a metal conduit or tube, such as acopper tube, and threaded ring 1235 may be formed of metal as well. Insuch implementations, threaded ring 1235 may be soldered, brazed,welded, or otherwise sealed, to second fluid-carrying component 1203. Aswith the embodiments noted above, in other implementations, secondfluid-carrying component 1203 may be formed of a non-metal, such as aplastic, and threaded ring 1235 may be otherwise sealed to secondfluid-carrying component 1203. For instance, second fluid-carryingcomponent 1203 and threaded ring 1235 may be molded together as aunitary structure to have the depicted plug-side assembly configuration.

FIGS. 12D & 12E depict apparatus 1200, with plug-side assembly 1230coupled to socket-side assembly 1210. When connected, a fluid-tight sealis formed by, in part, the one or more internal annular seals 1223compressing against second fluid-carrying component 1203 inserted intosocket fitting 1220, and the one or more annular face seals 1240compressing against threaded ring 1235 when the first and second lockingthreads are threadably locked. During insertion of the secondfluid-carrying component 1203 into socket fitting 1220, the first andsecond locking threads engage, and sleeve 1220 is rotated to threadablylock the plug-side assembly and socket-side assembly together. Since thelocking is threadably achieved, the plug-side assembly and socket-sideassembly may be subsequently released if desired, for instance, forrepair or replacement of one or more associated structures. Also, notewith reference to FIG. 12E, that in one embodiment, the end surface 1225of socket fitting 1220 may function as a stop to the connecting of theplug-side assembly 1230 to socket-side assembly 1210 by, for instance,contacting the side of threaded ring 1235 as the assemblies arethreadably coupled. Alternatively, in one or more other implementations,annular land or stop 1221 could function as a stop for secondfluid-carrying component 1203 by contacting the end of the component asit coupled within the socket fitting. Note also, that in the embodimentsof FIGS. 12A-12E, the threaded ring 1235 has a larger diameter than thethreaded ring 1035 of the embodiment of FIGS. 10A-10F. This largerdiameter in part facilitates brazing of the threaded ring to the secondfluid-carrying component 1203, and thus, facilitates a strong brazejoint which is capable of withstanding the mechanical forces required toproperly make, for instance, the face seal disclosed herein.

Those skilled in the art will note that variations on the embodimentsdescribed above can accommodate rigid or semi-rigid plastic tubing. Forinstance, the plug-side assembly ring and/or the socket fitting could bemade of a suitable plastic to effectively bond the respective plastictubing. Alternatively, the socket fitting could be made to have a hosebarb termination for joining the plastic or EPDM tubing. Additionally,rather than attaching the plug ring directly to the tube, the plug-sidefitting could be made to properly mate and seal with the socket-sideassembly, and accept any tube or hose desired.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprise” (andany form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (andany form of have, such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any formof include, such as “includes” and “including”), and “contain” (and anyform contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-endedlinking verbs. As a result, a method or device that “comprises”, “has”,“includes” or “contains” one or more steps or elements possesses thoseone or more steps or elements, but is not limited to possessing onlythose one or more steps or elements. Likewise, a step of a method or anelement of a device that “comprises”, “has”, “includes” or “contains”one or more features possesses those one or more features, but is notlimited to possessing only those one or more features. Furthermore, adevice or structure that is configured in a certain way is configured inat least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are notlisted.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below, if any, areintended to include any structure, material, or act for performing thefunction in combination with other claimed elements as specificallyclaimed. The description of the present invention has been presented forpurposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to beexhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Manymodifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of one or more aspects of the invention and the practicalapplication, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art tounderstand one or more aspects of the invention for various embodimentswith various modifications as are suited to the particular usecontemplated.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a coupling assembly tofacilitate connecting fluid-carrying components, the coupling assemblycomprising: a socket fitting with a first opening and a second openingin fluid communication through the socket fitting, the first openingbeing sized to accommodate a portion of a first fluid-carrying componenttherein, and the second opening being sized to accommodate a portion ofa second fluid-carrying component therein; a sleeve, the sleeveencircling the socket fitting, with the socket fitting residing fullywithin the sleeve and the sleeve being rotatable relative to the socketfitting, the sleeve comprising a first locking feature; a second lockingfeature associated with the second fluid-carrying component, the secondlocking feature being positioned and sized to engage the first lockingfeature when the portion of the second fluid-carrying component isinserted into the second opening in the socket fitting, and wherein,once engaged, rotating of the sleeve facilitates locking the first andsecond locking features together to secure the second fluid-carryingcomponent to the socket fitting; wherein the first locking featurecomprises first locking threads, and the second locking featurecomprises second locking threads; an external threaded ring secured tothe second fluid-carrying component, the external threaded ringcomprising the second locking threads and the external threaded ringcontacting an end surface of the socket fitting with locking of thefirst and second locking threads together; and wherein the socketfitting comprises at least one annular groove in the end surface thereofcontacting the external threaded ring with locking of the first andsecond locking threads together, the at least one annular grooveaccommodating, in part, at least one annular face seal, the at least oneannular face seal engaging and compressing against the threaded ringwhen the first and second locking threads are threadably locked togetherto form a fluid-tight seal between the second fluid-carrying componentand the socket fitting.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the firstlocking threads comprise internal locking threads within the sleeve. 3.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the socket fitting further comprisesat least one internal annular groove accommodating, in part, at leastone internal annular seal, the at least one internal annular sealengaging the one fluid-carrying component when the one fluid-carryingcomponent is inserted into the respective opening of the socket fittingto facilitate forming the fluid-tight seal between the onefluid-carrying component and the socket fitting.
 4. An apparatuscomprising: one fluid-carrying component; an other fluid-carryingcomponent; and a coupling assembly to connect the one fluid-carryingcomponent to the other fluid-carrying component, the coupling assemblycomprising: a socket fitting secured to the other coolant-carryingcomponent and comprising an opening in fluid communication through thesocket fitting with the other fluid-carrying component, the openingbeing sized to accommodate a portion of the one fluid-carrying componenttherein; a sleeve, the sleeve encircling the socket fitting, with thesocket fitting residing fully within the sleeve and the sleeve beingrotatable relative to the socket fitting, the sleeve comprising a firstlocking feature; a second locking feature associated with the onefluid-carrying component, the second locking feature being positionedand sized to engage the first locking feature when the onefluid-carrying component is inserted into the opening within the socketfitting, and wherein, once engaged, rotating of the sleeve locks thefirst and second locking features together to secure the onefluid-carrying component to the socket fitting; wherein the firstlocking feature comprises first locking threads, and the second lockingfeature comprises second locking threads, the first locking threadsbeing internal locking threads within the sleeve, and the couplingassembly further including an external threaded ring secured to the onefluid-carrying component, the external threaded ring comprising thesecond locking threads and the external threaded ring contacting an endsurface of the socket fitting with locking of the first and secondlocking threads together; and wherein the socket fitting comprises atleast one annular groove in the end surface thereof contacting theexternal threaded ring with locking of the first and second lockingthreads together, the at least one annular groove accommodating, inpart, at least one annular face seal, the at least one annular face sealengaging and compressing against the threaded ring when the first andsecond locking threads are threadably locked together to form afluid-tight seal between the one fluid-carrying component and the socketfitting.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the other fluid-carryingcomponent comprises a liquid manifold assembly coupled to one or moreelectronic components, the socket fitting being disposed at one of aliquid inlet or a liquid outlet of the other fluid-carrying component.6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the socket fitting furthercomprises at least one internal annular groove accommodating, in part,at least one internal annular seal, the at least one internal annularseal engaging the one fluid-carrying component when the onefluid-carrying component is inserted into the opening of the socketfitting to facilitate forming the fluid-tight seal between the onefluid-carrying component and the socket fitting.